Queen of Hoxton’s Winter Rooftop Presents: The Moroccan Medina

Autumn is upon us and London is falling soon into the darkest months of the year but the Queen of Hoxton is getting ready to cheer your mood up with a feast of lights, colours, and exotic tastes.

From next week until the end of March, the Winter Rooftop will be transformed into a proper Moroccan Medina that will make you wonder whether you’ve passed out and someone has carried you on a plane to Marrakesh.

Everything in the so-called Rooftop Riad will be meticulously studied in the tiniest particular to introduce you to a real “Arabian Nights” atmosphere, from ceramic tiles to cushions, drapes, shishas and twinkling lanterns.

Outside the Wigwam, a recreation of The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh, with cacti leaned against the typical blue walls illuminated by hanging fairy lights, appears to be the perfect romantic spot, if you fail to discover that secret snug inside a giant Moroccan lamp.

And what it would be such an immersive experience without a perfect themed drink and food menu?

Sweet Cardamom Spiced Coffee and pots of Fragrant Mint Tea with Rose are available to sip with or without booze. Shimmering Gold Pomegranate Bellini sounds luxurious, while if you are the strong type you can enjoy the Spiced Hot Buttered Rum (a good excuse if you have a cold, we all know that).

When hunger strikes, Halloumi Fries garnished with pomegranate seeds, mint, chili and harissa yogurt looks like the perfect posh alternative to fries, but if your appetite has no boundaries, you can choose between the Lamb and Apricot Tagine or even the Rainbow Vegan Mezze Board.

Moreover, a special program of workshops, arts and cultural events inspired by the theme will prompt you to visit the Rooftop over again. Just to name a few, there will be Henna Workshops, Comedy and Film Screenings.

For these events, the Queen of Hoxton is teaming up with Arts Canteen, a collective that brings emerging artists from the Arab World and the Middle East to a UK audience, and Saqui Books, an independent publisher specializing in books on North Africa and the Middle East, among others.